Over the past year, Williams has been at the helm of developing programs and activities that promote wellness through healthy food options, outdoor recreation among other events encouraging families to be active.

To kick 2016 off, the city will host the New Year's Day 5K that steps off at 10 a.m. Jan. 1.

Williams recently chatted with The Daily New Journal what Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation has to offer and what the community can look forward to this year:

Tell me about the New Year’s Day 5K. How did you guys come up with that?

Williams: Over the past year, hundreds of Murfreesboro residents have participated in activities such as kayaking, hiking, camping, Zumba in the park and fitness boot camps. The city of Murfreesboro’s New Year’s Day 5K is a fun and unique way to start off 2016 as a family in a healthy mindset, while launching us into another year of Better Boro Project programs and events.

Tell me about all the festivities going on that day and all the details of the event. How can you register for it? Can you just show up?

Williams:The 5K will take start at 10 a.m., and the race will begin from the area around pavilions 3 and 4 at Barfield Crescent Park. Participants are encouraged to try and beat Mayor McFarland, who will be running in the race.

Registration is available at SportsCom, the Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation office at Barfield Crescent Park and at murfreesborotn.gov/parks until Wednesday. We will have on-site registration the morning of the race, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Packet pickup for participants who are pre-registered and on-site registration will be available on Thursday from noon-4 p.m. at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park. Additionally, packet pickup and registration will be available the morning of the race from 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Why did you decide to take on this sort of event?

Williams:This initiative and this event align directly with the mission of Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation. The city of Murfreesboro is lucky to have leaders in Parks & Recreation, city administration and elected officials that believe in the benefits of a healthy community and support initiatives that make Murfreesboro healthier.

Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation is honored that Mayor McFarland has asked us to be a part of the Better Boro Project and look forward to another exciting year of activities.

Where does Murfreesboro fall as far is percentage of active citizens?

Williams: Tennessee is the 14th most obese state in the United States, with a current obesity rate of 31.2 percent. While Rutherford County ranks relatively high in Tennessee for overall heath rankings, we have a long way to go to ensure maximized quality of life. With the right mindset and continued efforts of initiatives like the Better Boro Project, Murfreesboro can trend in a positive direction for overall health.

What types of activities are planned for 2016?

Williams: Moving into 2016, we are excited to begin partnering with outside agencies that accomplish the goals of the Better Boro Project. Mayor McFarland has begun to appoint 'Better Boro Ambassadors' who represent and advocate various methods for living more healthy lifestyles.

Along with the variety of Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation programs and activities, these ambassadors will help in leading the charge to engage the residents of Murfreesboro to become healthier.

How does the fitness aspect tie in with Parks & Recreation mission?

Williams: Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation’s mission is to plan, organize, implement and promote a comprehensive delivery system of programs, facilities and areas which enhance the community's quality of life.

We believe that one of the best ways to improve quality of life is to pursue a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy and staying active. We strive for our facilities to provide programs that do just that and match the goals of the Better Boro Project.

What does Parks and Recreation offer now?

Williams: Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation has something for everyone of all ages and fitness levels. SportsCom and Patterson have fitness and aquatics areas with exceptional programs seven days a week. Murfreesboro’s Greenway System is a great place to walk, run or ride and has numerous trailheads that make utilizing the Greenway convenient. Hiking is another way to get active. Barfield Crescent Park has over 5 miles of paved and unpaved trails that offer a scenic escape.

For a list of all of our facilities, programs, and events, go to murfreesborotn.gov/parks or pick up a Rec Connection (a quarterly publication listing events) at any of our facilities.

Contact reporter Nancy De Gennaro at 615-278-5148 and follow her on Twitter @DNJMama

Family: Married to Jenny Williams, founder of Candle Wishes Birthday Foundation, and father to their boys, 6-year-old Ryder and 3-year-old Finn; they are members of River Oaks Community Church in Murfreesboro

Education: Middle Tennessee State University Jennings A. Jones College of Business graduate, majoring in management

Career: Started at Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation at age 16 as lifeguard at SportsCom, eventually becoming aquatics coordinator and became recreation superintendent in 2011